Gel Solution Speed 3 Replacement?

TripleB

Hall of Fame
Bought a couple pairs of the Asics Gel Solution Speed 2 when they were being closed out because I loved them. Ordered a pair of the Speed 3 shoes a while back but am just now getting around to wearing them to play tennis in. Unfortunately they (to me) feel nothing like the Speed 2 shoes...smaller, not as stable, not as comfortable, and the thin shoes strings are horrible, irritating the top of my foot creating a welt looking type place where my foot bends.

What shoes have you found that are similar to the Speed line of shoes? Comfortable, light, good traction, and decent stability.

Thanks for any help or input!

TripleB
 

Big_Dangerous

Talk Tennis Guru
Bought a couple pairs of the Asics Gel Solution Speed 2 when they were being closed out because I loved them. Ordered a pair of the Speed 3 shoes a while back but am just now getting around to wearing them to play tennis in. Unfortunately they (to me) feel nothing like the Speed 2 shoes...smaller, not as stable, not as comfortable, and the thin shoes strings are horrible, irritating the top of my foot creating a welt looking type place where my foot bends.

What shoes have you found that are similar to the Speed line of shoes? Comfortable, light, good traction, and decent stability.

Thanks for any help or input!

TripleB

I guess because I went straight to the 3's and never played in the 2's, I love the Speed 3's. I have a pair of 2's that I got on the cheap because they were being closed out, but I haven't used them yet. I tried them on and they seem to fit fine, so I honestly don't notice much of a difference between the 2's and 3's. You could try a couple things - possibly the cheapest option might be to replace the laces on the Speed 3's, that's what I do. Although since you don't like the stability/comfort then you probably want something else. You could try the Vapor 9.5s. I used those and the Lunarballistecs before I switched to the Speed 3's. The Vapors fit fine, and are probably the closest in terms of weight to the Speed 3's, but their durability is questionable at best. I got a full year's use out of my Speed 3's, whereas the 9.5's I could get maybe 6-8 months at best. The Lunarballistecs are a bit better in terms of durability/longevity, but the fit is different and they're definitely heavier than the 9.5s and Speed 3's. They're also way more expensive as well. If cost/weight aren't an issue then you could give them a go.
 

392Hemi

Professional
I have SS2 and SS3. I happen to like the SS3 better, but the SS2 are absolutely fine too. I will be using my SS2s for clay season.

But to your point, take a look at the new Asics Court FF, my new favorite tennis shoes.Yes, at $169 they are expensive, yes they only come in one color right now, but they are far and away the best athletic shoes I have ever worn
 
Last edited:

Hansen

Professional
i moved from the ss2 to the nb996v3. i also tried the ss3 but despite my narro feet they were just to narrow in the toebox.
the nb996v3 has (with 2 socks) a really good fit with enough room in the toebox and a stable feel.
the resolution 7 were also an alternative, better fit than the ss3 and no heel slip like the resolution 6.
finally the ubersonic 2 also felt really good, but i chose the nb.

in the ss2 i had size 44,5, in the nb size 45, in the resolution 7 size 45 and in the ubersonic 2 size 45 1/3
 

TripleB

Hall of Fame
i moved from the ss2 to the nb996v3. i also tried the ss3 but despite my narro feet they were just to narrow in the toebox.

Yes, that is what I was shocked at as well (thought it was just me). I have pretty narrow feet and the Speed 3 still felt too narrow...they don't really pinch my feet, just make them a bit uncomfortable when playing.

TripleB
 

Knife

Professional
Bought a couple pairs of the Asics Gel Solution Speed 2 when they were being closed out because I loved them. Ordered a pair of the Speed 3 shoes a while back but am just now getting around to wearing them to play tennis in. Unfortunately they (to me) feel nothing like the Speed 2 shoes...smaller, not as stable, not as comfortable, and the thin shoes strings are horrible, irritating the top of my foot creating a welt looking type place where my foot bends.

What shoes have you found that are similar to the Speed line of shoes? Comfortable, light, good traction, and decent stability.

Thanks for any help or input!

TripleB

I felt Lotto Viper 1 to have a very similar fit to GSS 2, i.e. soft uppers and a slightly wide fit. Have not tried Viper 3 but they appear to have the same fit.
 
Last edited:

Knife

Professional
i moved from the ss2 to the nb996v3. i also tried the ss3 but despite my narrow feet they were just to narrow in the toebox

Yes, that is what I was shocked at as well (thought it was just me). I have pretty narrow feet and the Speed 3 still felt too narrow...they don't really pinch my feet, just make them a bit uncomfortable when playing.




I have narrow feets also with issues finding shoes with a good fit. The problem with narrow tennis shoes is that they have an even narrower toe box. I'm good with the tight fit for about 30-45 minutes of play, then the outside of my pinky toes gets unbearably bruised. The SS2 and Lotto Vipers have a comfy,roomy and soft toe box but the overall fit is to wide. If anyone knows of a tight shoe with a more spaceous toebox, I'd be glad to hear! :)
 

tennisnut1

Semi-Pro
I'll have to stick with the gel speed version out now, just takes time to get used to, I loved the lighter mesh on top, so sorry they stopped making that type, rats
 

Chipnkick

Rookie
Never tried the ss3, but i wore the ss2 and loved them, then went to the first barricade boosts and loved those, although for different reasons.
 
Top